KOLLAM: Shedding the tech-averse tag generally attached to a public sector entity, the Kerala State Cashew Development Corporation (KSCDC) is reinventing itself to expand the firm’s customer base by exploring the growing e-commerce base in the country.
As part of the initiative, the company has launched an ‘online shopping’ facility on its website. With this, the company envisages to reach out to more customers, and thereby register high profit margins than its peers.
“The online shopping option will help people buy our different grades of cashew and products from anywhere in the country. The products that one choose will be delivered by India Post as we have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with them,” said K A Ratheesh, managing director, KSCDC.
Ratheesh further said that by availing the facility, people can buy the products they want by selecting the online payment option or value payable post option.
Though the ‘online shopping’ option is provided on the website, it is yet to start functioning. KSCDC officials said that it would be operational within a few weeks.
“As this is a new initiative, it will take time to gain foothold among the people. Extensive marketing and advertisement campaigns have been launched by the company as part of the programme. We assure that quality products will be offered to customers. However, the timely delivery of the same is the responsibility of India Posts,” Ratheesh said. The KSCDC had signed an MoU with the India Posts in this regard on January 21. During that function, G John Samuel, member of operations, Postal Services Board, had said that it was a great leap forward for both the parties, who were trying to increase its market base at the national level. According to M Mohandas, senior superintendent of post offices, Kollam Division, packaging and timely delivery of cashew products will not be an issue for them as it is being carried out by the newly inaugurated ‘Pack Post Center’.
“As the center is well equipped with sturdy carton boxes, strapping machines, self-adhesive tapes, caution stickers, labels, bubble sheets and others, chances of packaging-related issues can be ruled out,” he said.